A report by MLB.com reporter Jen Langosch says the Pittsburgh Pirates are known to have interest in Atlanta Braves starter Kenshin Kawakami. The Pirates appear desperate for starting pitching, and Kawakami would not take much to acquire.
The Braves would probably expect to send a large chunk of cash to the team that acquires Kawakami. He is owed just over $6.6 million in 2011, and the Braves would likely send at least half of that with him. It would be beneficial to both teams involved, as the Braves would loosen the belt on their payroll and have a little more flexibility with the two roster spots left, and the team receiving Kawakami would get a league-average starter for a cheap price. Also, it is expected that the Braves will not ask for much in return. It is purely meant to unload a contract.
According to Mark Bowman, the Braves have indeed contacted the Brewers regarding Lorenzo Cain. I outlined the Cain-to-Atlanta scenario in a previous update, though at the time no contact had been made. Showing interest in Cain and creating possible scenarios that bring him to Atlanta could prove beneficial to the Braves.
A tweet by Jon Heyman says Dan Uggla and the Braves have talked some about an extension. The seriousness of the talks is unknown, but it is good to at least see this reported.
David O'Brien tweets that the Yankees, among other teams, are interested in Matt Diaz. The outfielder could become a pursued player during the meetings as he provides a solid bat against lefties at a cheap price.